School Lunches Promote Better Eating Habits in Picky Teenagers, New Research Finds

A recent study led by the University of Bristol suggests that providing school dinners instead of packed lunches can help picky 13-year-olds expand their dietary variety and adopt healthier eating habits. The research, published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, examined how school food choices influence eating behaviors outside the home, particularly in children known for selective eating during preschool years.

The study analyzed data from over 5,300 participants involved in the longitudinal Children of the 90s study, focusing on their lunchtime choices at age 13. Results showed that children identified as picky eaters often preferred fillings such as marmite, peanut butter, or cheese spread over meat or fish in their packed lunches and tended to avoid fruits and salads. Conversely, when these children ate school dinners, they displayed a broader acceptance of different foods, including meats and fruits, making their diet more similar to their peers.

Findings revealed that while picky eating tends to peak around age three, some children maintain selective eating habits into adolescence. Importantly, school dinners appear to be a practical strategy to encourage these children to try a variety of foods, which can contribute to overall health improvement.

The research underscores that vegetables are consistently under-consumed among children, emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables for proper growth and long-term health. Dr. Caroline Taylor, the lead researcher, highlights that although every child is unique, fostering healthy eating behaviors can be supported through multiple approaches, including school meal programs, family meal practices, and involving children in food preparation.

Looking ahead, Dr. Taylor and her team plan to investigate how picky eating behaviors in adulthood affect health outcomes, using data from the same longitudinal study. The insights gained reinforce the vital role that structured dietary interventions, such as school dinners, can play in shaping healthier eating patterns from childhood into adolescence and beyond.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-school-dinners-picky-teenagers.html